Carnarvon Gorge camping is one oft he best ways to really experience the beautiful Carnarvon Gorge National Park in Central Queensland. Camping is of course a great way to get back to nature and Carnarvon Gorge is no exemption.
In this guide we cover the very best places to camp at Carnarvon Gorge, whether you be going on a family trip or a romantic couples getaway we have you covered.
The great part of this national park is that there are tonnes of different camping options available – some where you can trek and camp directly within the gorge overnight and some where you can even car camp or bring a caravan.
Note: There is no free camping spots in the area however, there are some very cheap camping places which we will discuss below.
Camping at Carnarvon gorge: Best Spots including free camping
Big Bend Camping
One of the best places to camp in the area is Big Bend. This camp site is best for active campers as you will need to hike around 10 km from the car park to find your spot.
Note: ***This is no good for car camping, campervans, caravans or RVs***
It is the perfect place to kick back to nature and is a great spot to begin exploring all the national park has to offer.
Please note that as you would expect this is a fairly rural and rustic camping spot, meaning there is no flushing toilets, showers or BBQs. There are picnic tables to enjoy.
While it is not free, camping here is a great place for a cheap family holiday as it only costs $6.85 per person per night, or $27.40 per family per night. (one family = two adults + three to six children).
See more: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/camping
Carnavon Gorge Visitor Centre
Another good place for cheap camping in the National Park is the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre. This is your opportunity to camp directly inside the National Park, where the main walking track is located.
You can only camp here during certain school holidays so it is quite limited including during Easter, June/July and September/ October but it is a great spot if you can get a place.
Note that this is not a great place for fussy campers as there are non flushing toilets only. On the plus side, there are free electric BBQs and picnic tables.
Note: This is no good for large RVS or caravans and is best for tent camping.
While it is not free, camping here is a great place for a cheap family holiday as it only costs $6.85 per person per night, or $27.40 per family per night. (one family = two adults + three to six children).
Be quick as there are only a total of 35 spots available to book and they are very popular.
See more: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-gorge/camping
The Big4 Carnarvon Gorge (Takarakka Bush Resort)
Whether you want to traditionally camp or glamp, this is a great choice! It is only 5 km from the main walking track inside the National Park.
I would recommend this campground to the less seasoned campers who also appreciate some creature comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. What is nice is if you like to cook while you camp, there are camp kitchens available to use as well as of course showers and flushable toilets, something the campsites inside the national park do not offer. There are also firepits available for some good old fashioned camping fun.
If you are travelling in a larger group where some people don’t want to camp, this is also a great choice for campers and non campers alike. There are some great cabins, cottages and glamping tents available at affordable prices. The great thing about the cottages and cabins is that many come with their own private bathroom so if you are not big on sharing facilities this is a great choice. Or, if you have some older teenagers who prefer to camp while Mum and Dad stay inside.
Don’t miss the very popular roast dinners as well as the daily bush bar.
Book your stay here.
Sandstone Park
One of the newer and most popular campgrounds in the area is Sandstone Park. One of the biggest draw-cards of this campgrounds is the 360° views of the surrounding ranges. It is a very peaceful area and if you are a nature lover you might be happy to see kangaroos or wallabys around.
This campground is good for the seasoned camper as all campsites are unpowered. There are portaloos (clean) available as well as bins to discard rubbish but little else is around. All campsites have their own firepit which is great for kicking back and enjoying the great outdoors uninterrupted.
One common complaint with this campsite is the lack of trees which provide shade which can be quite hot in summer. On the plus side, here is a good spot for some Telstra mobile coverage which is rather spotty in the region.
If you are bringing your furry friend on the trip, you will be interested to note that this is a pet friendly campground. You aren’t allowed to bring your dog within the National Park and realising this, you can hire a kennel at Sandstone for $10 a half day or $20 a day.
Campsites cost $35 per site per night for 2 people, extra adults cost $15 per person per night, extra child (aged 5 – 14) $7 per child per night. Children 5 years and under are free.
Book your stay here.
Image credit: Tripadvisor
Glamping at Carnarvon gorge
Wallaroo Outback Retreat
If after reading this you decide you don’t wish to slum it afterall, you can always stay in luxury at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat. This is glamping at its very finest with luxury safari tents – a perfect place for a romantic getaway.
Set within towering eucalypts on 72,000 acres in the Carnarvon Ranges, it is made for a quiet getaway with limited people around as the whole premises can only house 16 guests.
Inside the tents is the essence of luxury with posturepedic beds, high thread count linen and designer furnishings. While each glamping tent does not have its own toilet, there is a fully equipped kitchen and six bathrooms at the lodge on the property.
Book your stay here.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit? Despite it being a little chilly, the best time to visit the area is in winter (April – September) due to less chance of rainfall in the area. During the hot summer months, this area sees quite a lot of downpour, meaning that access is restricted at times.
Are there free camping in the area? No, currently there is no free camping, however, there is great and very cheap camping close to the National Park as detailed above.
How many days should I stay in the area? We would recommend a minimum of 3 days to walk the tracks and admire the gorges.
How to reach the area? It is a 8 hour drive from Brisbane to reach the National Park. You may like to make a longer road trip of it by stopping in Roma, Toowoomba and Dalby on the way there or back.
Do you need a 4WD to visit the area? If the weather has been good, you don’t need a 4WD to visit as the road into the national park is now fully sealed – bitumen all the way.
What if I don’t want to camp? Are there any hotels in Carnarvon Gorge? If you don’t like camping it is a bit of tough luck as this is the accommodation on offer directly near the park. If you prefer a bit more comfort in your lodging we would recommend the The Big4 Carnarvon Gorge as there are cabins and chalets there to rent which include toilets.
***
See more fun Qld Travel: